Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in San Diego

We've collected top 10 mentioned free attractions in San Diego from other articles such as Trip101, San Diego Union-Tribune, UpgradedPoints.com.

Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in San Diego

La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove
4.8 (1188 ratings)4.5 (12342 ratings)
Popular with divers, this quaint beach houses permanent lifeguard stations, picnic tables & showers.
San Diego, CA 92037, USA
BeachOutdoor ActivitiesParks
Balboa Park
Balboa Park
4.8 (56270 ratings)4.5 (11675 ratings)
Sprawling outdoor destination is home to the city's renowned zoo, 17 museums, gardens & more.
San Diego, CA, USA
ParkFun & GamesHistory museumPlaygroundsGardens
Mentioned by y Travel Blog
16 Awesome (& Free) Things to do in San Diego With Kids
"Balboa Park, San Diego is known as one of the best things to do in San Diego with kids and has everything to suit all ages and your family’s preferences:. Even just wandering around and appreciating the stunning Spanish Renaissance and Southwest architecture and beautiful gardens is enjoyable. Balboa Park is America’s largest urban cultural park, is ranked as one of the best parks in the world, and is one of the best things to do in Southern California – you could spend a full day here!"
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
Complete List of Free Museums and Attractions in San Diego
"Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban green space featuring natural vegetation zones, planted gardens and walking paths. It is one of the oldest public recreational areas in the country. The park’s Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the site of free weekly concerts."
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Reserve
4.8 (11036 ratings)4.5 (3514 ratings)
Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.
12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Nature preserveNature & ParksParkState parkNature & Wildlife AreasHiking Trails
Seaport Village
Seaport Village
4.6 (18125 ratings)4 (4366 ratings)
Waterside complex with shops, eateries, entertainment & relaxed grounds featuring fountains & ponds.
849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Shopping mallShoppingPiers & BoardwalksPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Maritime Museum of San Diego
4.7 (2737 ratings)4.5 (1598 ratings)
Waterfront venue showcasing many types of restored vintage ships & historical exhibits.
1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
MuseumSights & LandmarksHistorical landmarkMaritime museumOutdoor activity organiserShipsSpecialty Museums
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
4.6 (19180 ratings)4.5 (5262 ratings)
Open-air museum about local life in the 1800s, with adobe buildings & interpretive performances.
4002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
State parkSights & LandmarksParkHistoric Walking Areas
Mentioned by planetware.com
14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Diego | PlanetWare
"At the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, you can travel back in time and soak up some of the rich culture from San Diego's early days. The park recreates the feel of the Mexican and early American periods, from 1821 to 1872, when this settlement grew from a small Mexican pueblo. Visit a working blacksmith shop, shop for authentic Mexican crafts, browse the art studios, enjoy live Mariachi music, and dine on a sunny patio at one of the atmospheric restaurants."
Mentioned by San Diego 3 days itinerary
3 Days in San Diego Itinerary – What to See and Do
"In 1968, the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation established Old Town State Historic Park to preserve the rich heritage that characterized San Diego during the 1821 to 1872 period. Within Old Town don’t miss Casa de Estudillo, which is one of the few original buildings (many are reproductions), Whaley House and Museum, which is believed to be haunted and Junípero Serra Museum, literally the place where California began."
Sunset Park
Sunset Park
4.6 (215 ratings)
Green space adjacent to Coronado Beach with a large multi-use field & a playground.
101 Ocean Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
ParkPublic beach
Immaculate Conception Church
Immaculate Conception Church
4.6 (180 ratings)4.5 (30 ratings)
2540 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
Catholic churchSights & LandmarksChurchPlace of worshipChurches & Cathedrals
Old Town
Old Town
4.5 (1550 ratings)
Known as the state's birthplace, this colorful area has a range of historic buildings & attractions.
San Diego, CA 92110, USA
Sights & LandmarksPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Mentioned by San Diego 3 days itinerary
3 Days in San Diego
"Day 2: Old Town, The Midway & Coronado [Skip to Page] Day 3: La Jolla, the beaches, Cabrillo Point & Point Loma [Skip to Page]"
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach
4.5 (1155 ratings)
Pacific Beach is a relaxed neighborhood by the beach, popular with sunbathers and surfers. Trendy hotel bars and casual cafes line the boardwalk, while Mission Boulevard and the surrounding streets are dotted with women’s clothing boutiques, yoga studios and casual drinking spots that draw a young, bar-hopping crowd. Inland, the grassy slope of Kate Sessions Park has sweeping views of the city and San Diego Bay.
San Diego, CA, USA
Nature & ParksBeaches
Mentioned by San Diego 5 days itinerary
San Diego – The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers
"If you want a beach that’s bit more lively, you can head down to Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. Both beaches are great for people-watching on the boardwalk. Make sure to grab drinks at a beachy bar, and even perfect your surfing skills at The Wave House. Yep, at The Wave House, you can surf an artificial wave (or watch others do it)!"

Best History Museum in San Diego

Junípero Serra Museum
Junípero Serra Museum
4.4 (131 ratings)4 (33 ratings)
A Spanish Revival-style structure built to showcase the collection of the San Diego History Center.
2727 Presidio Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
History museumMuseumsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
100 FREE Things to Do in San Diego, CA: Fun Museums, Attractions, Tours & More
"Therefore, it’s possible to walk into this museum to learn about California’s mission history (the museum sits on the first European settlement site in California) for free. If you did enjoy your visit and feel compelled to donated upon exit, this is possible. (Location: Presidio Park / Old Town)"
Mentioned by San Diego 3 days itinerary
3 Days in San Diego Itinerary – What to See and Do
"Within Old Town don’t miss Casa de Estudillo, which is one of the few original buildings (many are reproductions), Whaley House and Museum, which is believed to be haunted and Junípero Serra Museum, literally the place where California began. You can get more information here."
Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
4.7 (516 ratings)4.5 (86 ratings)
Airplanes & artifacts honor Marine Corps fliers & ground teams, with "open cockpit" days in summer.
4203 Anderson Ave, San Diego, CA 92145, USA
MuseumHeritage museumHistory museumMilitary MuseumsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by TripSavvy
The Best Museums in San Diego, From Folk Art to Military Aircraft
"If you're a fan of the annual Miramar Air Show, then the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is a good place for you to visit. What sets this museum apart from all others is the fact that it is the only museum in the world dedicated to preserving the incredible contributions made by Marine Corps Aviators and their ground support personnel. Located at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, the museum is comprised of an outdoor area, displaying an average of at least twenty five vintage aircraft and an indoor display of memorabilia and artifacts dating to the earliest days of Marine Corps Aviation."
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
100 FREE Things to Do in San Diego, CA: Fun Museums, Attractions, Tours & More
"The Flying Leatherneck Museum is the only museum in the world that primarily showcases the United States Marine Corps (USMC) aviation. You’ll be able to take an up-close look at 48 historical aircraft in their gallery. Check their event calendar to see what’s on tap during your visit."
Museum of Us
Museum of Us
4.3 (1657 ratings)4 (374 ratings)
Museum in an ornate 1915 building featuring eclectic anthropology exhibits & a panoramic tower.
1350 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
MuseumHistorical landmarkWedding venueHistory Museums
Mentioned by Culture Trip
The Best Museums in San Diego, California
"As the only anthropology museum in the region, the San Diego Museum of Man offers a diverse program, including cannibalism, beer history and humans’ relationships with animals. Its mission is to inspire connections by helping to understand the human experience better, and it accomplishes this goal through its hundreds of thousands of documented ethnographic objects, archaeological items and photographic images. Constructed for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, the museum was designed by the famous architect Bertram Goodhue – it has Plateresque, Baroque, Churrigueresque and Rococo details and a unique Spanish Colonial exterior that hints at a Gothic influence, with inspiration from Spanish churches in Mexico."
Mentioned by San Diego 5 days itinerary
5-Day Best of San Diego Itinerary
"Study humankind at the San Diego Museum of Man, marvel at aeronautic engineering in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, then catch your breath in the Botanical Building. Head up to North Park for happy hour at Polite Provisions; its beautiful cocktail lounge may hook you up with some small plates if you’re hungry. Save the appetite, though—North Park’s Restaurant Row is nearby."
Mentioned by Maritime Museum of San Diego

Best Cookies in San Diego

NatSweets
NatSweets
4.9 (29 ratings)
8840 N Magnolia Ave Suite 150, Santee, CA 92071, USA
Cookie shopCandy storeIce cream shop
Mentioned by Red Tricycle
Be a Smart Cookie! 13 Places to Get the Best Cookies in Town
"Cookie magic is what you’ll find at NatSweets with her incredible design talent. She’ll create any kind of custom cookie that you can imagine. Plan ahead for your custom orders or stop by the shop to pick up seasonal or daily creations."
Uncle Biffs California Killer Cookies
Uncle Biffs California Killer Cookies
4.5 (200 ratings)
Using natural ingredients, this bakery prepares gourmet cookies in over a dozen flavors.
650 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
Cookie shopFood manufacturer
Mentioned by hoodline.com
San Diego's top 5 bakeries, ranked
"Finally, over in Hillcrest, check out Uncle Biff's Killer Cookies, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 738 reviews on Yelp. You can find the bakery at 650 University Ave. (between Sixth and Seventh avenues). This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor."
Starry Lane Bakery
Starry Lane Bakery
4.7 (272 ratings)
Bakery featuring classic treats crafted without peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, gluten or soy.
3925 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
BakeryCake shopCookie shopCupcake shopGluten-free restaurant
Mentioned by Justin Plus Lauren
10 Best Vegan Restaurants in San Diego, California
"Although there are quite a few bakeries, donut shops, and ice cream parlors in San Diego that offer vegan options, Starry Lane Bakery is the only place I’ve found that offers 100% vegan desserts. And, might I add, really good vegan desserts. The great thing about this bakery is that it’s good for anyone who is sensitive to food allergens, since they make all of their desserts without the top 10 most common allergens."
Mentioned by The Millennial Source
Who has the best pastries in San Diego?
"Born from the minds of two sisters – one with life-threatening food allergies – all of the bakery’s products are Top 10 allergen-free. Starry Lane values the health and safety of their customers, and they achieve that through transparency and delicious food."

Best Takeout Food Restaurants in San Diego

Clayton's Mexican Take Out
Clayton's Mexican Take Out
4.4 (362 ratings)
Identifiable by its blue awning, this Mexican food stand offers a full range of à la carte dishes.
10th St, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Takeout RestaurantRestaurant
Lunch Box Cafe & Deli
Lunch Box Cafe & Deli
4.6 (274 ratings)
Bustling, down-to-earth daytime eatery making classic American breakfast fare, sandwiches & salads.
8751 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA
RestaurantBakeryBreakfast restaurantCafeCoffee shopDeliLunch restaurantTakeout RestaurantSalad shopSandwich shop
Mentioned by San Diego Explorer
Perfect for this Weekend: Best Brunch in San Diego - Recommended by a Local
"8751 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942Order Your Food Early Here$ | Cafe | Hole in the Wall | Hidden Gem. Lunchbox is a down-to-earth humble little shop that prides itself on providing excellent service and food. If it doesn’t then they have no problem fixing the issue."
Domino's Pizza
Domino's Pizza
3.8 (459 ratings)
Delivery/carryout chain offering a wide range of pizzas & a variety of other dishes & sides.
1350 Sixth Ave STE 185, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Pizza deliveryDelivery RestaurantTakeout RestaurantPizza restaurantPizza Takeout

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near San Diego

3.0 (1 review)
Best OCEANFRONT luxury condo
Condo · 6 Guests · 2 Bedrooms
$1800 /night*
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3.8 (252 reviews)
Diamond Head Inn
Hotel
$189 /night
View deal
4.5 (22 reviews)
REDUCED RATES- BOOK NOW!! BELMONT BEACH HOUSE - Mission Beach
Guest Suite · 2 Guests · 4 Bedrooms
$866 /night*
View deal
* The displayed nightly rate may be estimated based on a future travel date. Narrow down your search with checkin and checkout dates to see the exact price.